A More Flexible Leather Belt

[LeatherWerks]

I've been ask to make some belts for a customer that I have done work for before. This project is for 4 belts. Standard stuff, but different than how I normally make belts. This person want these belts to be 'softer' and more 'flexible' that what I usually make. Anyway, I typically use a 8 or 9 ounce strip and then line it with 2 to 3 ounce leather. This results in a really stiff belt. What would give me softer and more flexible results? Should I use thinner leather or is there some treatment that would soften the leather?

Thanks,

Steve

[Cyberthrasher]

I would just go with thinner leather from the start. If you're doing an unlined belt, I'd say between 6 - 8 oz for a 1 1/4" belt. 1 1/2" and up could go to 8/9. BUT, if you're lining it, make that your total weight.

[TomG]

I make belts, bracelets and dog collars/leashes. Most are not lined, but I treat them with a Kiwi Camp Dry Mink Oil Paste. I rub a small amount into the length of the strap on the back and then run the strap through my hands in a curved motion 2 or 3 times from the front and then from the back. Makes most of them limp and soft as spaghetti.

But if you glue your liners in, I doubt it would stick to the oiled backs of the straps. But, I could be wrong. You can always try it and see.

Tom

[LeatherWerks]

What I plan to do based on Cyberthrashers' recommendation is to use two pieces of leather for a total of 8 ounces. I will glue the two pieces together and after cleaning up the edges, stitch around the entire belt. The stitching tends to make a belt stiffer so I might try the Kiwi Camp Dry Mink Oil to see if that helps.

Steve

[Cyberthrasher]

The stitching tends to make a belt stiffer so I might try the Kiwi Camp Dry Mink Oil to see if that helps.

Steve

I hadn't thought of that. I've never made a lined belt, so it didn't cross my mind. But, it makes sense. I guess in the end you'll know if it's too rigid for the customer or not since you know how heavy duty your normal belts are

[TomG]

Not sure how the MOP will work after gluing and stitching, but I'd play with some test pieces to see. The paste will darken the leather depending on the leather and how much you use.

I wonder what would happen if you did the treatment to both backs, and sewed them together without the glue?

[LeatherWerks]

I guess if your sew line was real close to the edge of the belt it might work. I do my stitching on a 441 clone and tend to stitch about 1/8 inch from the edge. The glue seems to keep that loose edge from coming apart. I'll try a test piece and see how it works using both methods.

Steve

[Chain]

Try some Bick 4 on it, it usually "softens" leather as well as condition it